Harry Potter, Heir of Gryffindor

Revelations

A small group of students was gathered near the end of the head table in the Great Hall and just outside the antechamber door. As the door opened and Harry entered they looked up as one and Harry recognized them as the members of Dumbledore's Army. They were all smiling and looking at him with a mixture of gratitude and uncertainty on their faces. Marietta Edgecombe and Cho Chang were even there, although they were standing nervously towards the back of the group. Harry saw this and made a special effort to look their way and smile to let them know that all was forgiven. Before he could say anything, however, a fireball with long, flaming red hair broke from the pack and raced toward him. Ginny threw herself into his arms and began crying into his shoulder. "Oh, Harry!" she sobbed softly, "I was so worried." Then, seeming to remember where she was, extricated herself and stood in front of him, blushing. "I mean," she stammered, "we were all worried . . . but . . ."

Harry put his hands on her shoulders and looked into her tear-filled eyes. Then, letting his hand slide down to gently hold her arms, smiled and said, "That's okay, Ginny," he said softly, "I understand." And, strangely, somehow he found that he did understand. In that moment he could feel her love for him and the past two weeks of her life were revealed to him in an instantaneous flash of understanding.

Remus' sudden yet muffled chuckle broke the spell they were under and Harry looked up as Ron, Hermione, Neville, Luna and the rest of the D.A. surged forward to welcome him back. "We were all so nervous," Hermione said as she reached his side, smiling broadly despite her quavering emotions.

"Boy, you sure know how to scare a guy don't you," Ron said enthusiastically while clapping Harry on the back.

Neville just smiled and nodded his head. "Thank you," he said.

Harry looked over at his training partner. "How's it going, Neville?" he asked.

Neville's smile grew wider. "I wish I could have been there," the now confident dueler said.

Harry thought for a moment then shook his head. "Nah, too many muggles. The Ministry would have had its hands full modifying all of their memories and repairing all the damage."

Most of the members of the D.A. looked curiously between the two friends because they had no idea that Harry and Neville had been training most of the summer. But Ron, Hermione, Ginny, Neville and Luna couldn't help themselves. They laughed at the hidden joke and Harry could not help but feel that these were his true friends, friends that would stand by his side no matter the odds.

Looking over at Cho, Harry smiled and said, "Cho, I have a message for you. Don't ask me where it comes from because it is a very long story and there is really only one other living wizard," he said with an almost imperceptible nod towards Dumbledore who was watching him carefully with a merry twinkle in his eye, "who can fully appreciate what has happened. I hope this doesn't upset you too much but I want you to know that Cedric sends his love and that I am fighting this war - for this truly is a war - as much for Cedric as for anyone else. In fact, I am going to propose that our official battle cry be 'Remember Cedric' because he was the first to die in this second war against Tom Riddle and his Death Eaters."

Most of the members of the D.A. looked confused at the mentioning of Voldemort's given name but the significance of what Harry had just done was not lost on Albus Dumbledore. "Yes," the aging headmaster said lightly, as if an idea had just occurred to him. "I believe you are correct, Harry. Tom has terrorized far too many people over the years with his fictitious name. I believe the time has come for us to reveal this little truth about our foe." When he had everyone's attention Professor Dumbledore completed his thought. "I believe the time has come for the people to know that Voldemort's real name is Tom Marvolo Riddle."

Harry could feel Ginny tense slightly at the mentioning of the dark lord's true identity so he pulled her into a tender embrace and whispered, "It's all right, Ginny. If we are going to beat him the people have got to stop fearing him."

Ginny looked up into Harry's eyes and nodded her head. "I know," she murmured. "It's just that his name still haunts me."

Harry hugged her a little tighter. "I know," he murmured. "And I'm sorry."

Ginny returned his hug and rested her head against his chest. In that moment, as Ginny shivered in his arms, Harry knew that he wanted to protect this beautiful creature from the man who had tried to destroy her during her first year at Hogwarts.

Several seconds passed as those who did not know of Ginny's involvement in the Chamber of Secrets fiasco looked on with curiosity at Ginny and Harry's reactions and those who did know of her involvement looked on with sympathy and understanding. Cho Chang finally broke the silence. "Remember Cedric," she said as if trying it on for size. "Yes. I like that. Remember Cedric."

The others nodded their agreement and the new battle cry was quickly adopted. As they voiced their approval of the new slogan Harry turned to Hermione and asked, "How are you doing, Hermione?"

"I'm doing fine, now," she said as tears of happiness threatened to spill from her eyes and a broad smile spread across her face.

"How are your parents?" he asked.

Hermione's smile suddenly vanished and she wiped the tears from her eyes. "They're terrified," she said.

"How much do they know?"

"Not much," she admitted, sadly shaking her head. "I don't want them to be afraid but I don't know how much to tell them. They know something is going on and they know it has me frightened but I don't know what to tell them. I don't want them to be afraid but ..."

Harry stopped, turned back to the Acting Minister of Magic and in a strong, clear, commanding voice said, "Madam Bones, we need to talk. Now!"

The Great Hall grew suddenly silent and time seemed to stand still for several seconds as everyone turned to look at the new Harry Potter. Even Peeves, who had been lurking in the shadows, stopped and stared at the sixteen-year-old student who had just addressed the Minister of Magic so forcefully. Madam Bones' worked her way through the small crowd of onlookers. "Yes, Harry?" she asked. "What can I do for you?"

"We have got to lift the veil of secrecy," Harry said forcefully. "The muggles, especially the parents of the muggle-born students have got to know what is going on. I'm not saying we should reveal ourselves to everyone in the muggle world but we have got to let the people know what is going on. One of Voldemort's greatest weapons is fear. Our greatest weapon in combating fear is understanding. It may not make it any easier for them but at least they will have some idea as to what is going on and what we are up against. And since one of Voldemort's main weaknesses is a blatant disregard for anything muggle we might be able to enlist a few of them to our cause. And they might just be able to find something we can use.

"I also want you to dispatch teams of hit wizards - in muggle clothing of course - to guard the families of all of the muggle-born and half-blood students at Hogwarts. This is a war, ma'am. And we are going to begin treating it as such."

Turning to Ron he said, "Ron, you are a Chess Master, correct?" Without waiting for an actual response Harry said, "I want you to start thinking about this war as a real life game of wizard's chess. What I want you and Hermione to do is conduct a little research and learn everything you can about Voldamort's capabilities. I know you don't particularly care for Professor Snape but he is going to be one of your most valuable resources and I want you to use him."

Turning to Hermione he said, "Hermione, you grew up in the muggle world. I know its asking a lot but I need you to organize all of the muggle born students at Hogwarts and brainstorm to see what technologies exist in the muggle world that might be of some use. I want you to explore every possibility. I want no stone left unturned."

Turning to face the headmaster he said, "Professor Dumbledore, I know I'm probably overstepping my bounds here but I need you to contact the headmasters of all of the wizarding schools and ask them to organize themselves along these lines and prepare for war. I want them to tap all of their resources because I want Ron to have a chess set that cannot be beaten."

And finally turning back to face the Acting Minister of Magic he said, "And finally, Madam Bones, I would like you to please contact every Minister or Secretary of Magic in the world and enlist their aide. Use whatever diplomatic channels you deem appropriate but I want everyone onboard."

A stunned silence filled the great hall for several seconds. Gradually he became aware of the stares of disbelief he was receiving from his friends and the other members of the D.A. Then he became aware of Ginny who was standing beside him with a look of shock, disbelief and admiration on her face and a glow of love in her eyes. He turned to face her, took her hands in his and looked into her eyes. "Ginny," he said softly. "He's hurt you. He's hurt me. He's hurt a lot of people; but this time Tom Riddle has gone too far. If he wants a war then that is what he is going to get and I'm not going to stop until he is utterly and totally defeated."

Then he looked over at Cho and nodded. "Remember Cedric, Cho," he said. "Remember Cedric."

"I will," Cho said bravely. "We all will."

Peeves swooped down and floated at attention a few meters above and behind the small knot of people at the head of the Great Hall and saluted. "Private Peeves reporting for duty, sir!" he barked militarily.

Harry looked up at the poltergeist and smiled. "Why thank you, Peeves," Harry said warmly. Then after a brief pause said, "Peeves, I'll need your help organizing the ghosts, ghouls and poltergeists. Like I said, I want no stone left unturned. We are looking for ideas and principles as well as talents, abilities and spies. I want you to start with the Hogwarts ghosts and use your connections to organize and recruit as many of the ghosts, ghouls and poltergeists as you can. I want you to start here in Great Britain then branch out into Western Europe, Eastern Europe, The Middle East, The Far East, Africa, The Pacific Islands and the Americas. I want you to tap every resource, Peeves. And I want you to report directly to either me, Ron, Hermione, Ginny or Professor Dumbledore."

"Yes, sir!" Peeves barked.

"Dismissed," Harry said with a quick nod.

Peeves turned smartly on his heel floated quickly out of the room. "Wow," Zacharias Smith whispered in amazement.

"I think the time has come for bed," Professor Dumbledore said with his usual twinkle. "We all have our tasks and school starts tomorrow. So, off you go."

As most of the others left the room Harry, while still holding on to Ginny's hands, turned to Professor Dumbledore and said, "Sir, could we talk?"

"Yes, of course, Harry," the aging headmaster said.

The three hung back as the others made their divergent ways to their chambers and dormitories. "Er, what happened to Minister Fudge?" Harry asked.

"Ah, yes," Dumbledore said, chuckling softly. "I'm afraid our dear Cornelius did not survive the recall vote that took place last week. He tried to forestall the inevitable but when the activities of his High Inquisitor came to light and were made public I am afraid he didn't stand much of a chance. And then when Lucius Malfoy's wand was tested and was found to have cast the Killing Curse I am afraid his fate was sealed and it drove him quite mad. He and Ms. Umbridge are currently enjoying some much needed time off, in padded cells in Saint Mungo's Psychiatric Ward," he added the last with a mischievous wink as his eye sparkled and danced with amusement.

When everyone else had left and Harry and Ginny were alone with the headmaster Harry was still holding onto Ginny's hand because he did not want her to leave just yet, if ever. Harry said, "Maturo Auctus, sir. And I'm ready whenever you are." The smile on the aging Headmaster's face grew wide and his eyes sparkled with life. "Very well, Harry," he said with an unstated happiness and calm and an almost inaudible sigh of relief. "It would seem we are going to be quite busy this year."

Harry smiled and nodded his head. "Yes, sir,. Oh, and Merlin, Godric, Salizar, Helga and Rowena said to say hi."

Ginny looked questioningly at Harry as if he had lost his mind. "Why thank you, Harry," Dumbledore said jovially. Then, noticing the look of confusion on the youngest Weasley's face, said, "Ginevra, Harry has just undergone something I experienced many long years ago. A Maturo Auctus is a spiritual journey beyond the veil in which the . . . chosen are trained by none other than Merlin, Godric Gryffindor, Salizar Slytherin, Helga Huffelpuff and Rowena Ravenclaw, among others, at an accelerated pace. There are normally no more than two members of this . . . order alive at any one time. One is usually the mentor while the other is the pupil. Our purpose and goal is to ensure that the balance of power remains intact and that all souls are given every opportunity to live life to its fullest and enjoy themselves while living up to their full potential as human beings. My mentor died a very long time ago and now the time has come for me to pass on what I have learned to the most recent member of our group."

"That's as good a description as any, I guess," Harry said as he reassuringly squeezed Ginny's hand. Then, looking into her eyes, said, "The way it was explained to me is that for every dark lord there is one member of our . . . order. We may be a bit more powerful than most but that does not make us any better than anyone else. Each of us has, at a minimum, two major tasks set before us. The first is to help defeat the current dark lord. And the second is to train our successor. We are not gods. We are merely mortal beings - witches and wizards - who have been chosen to fulfill certain prophecies and complete certain tasks. But we cannot complete any of our tasks without help. We may have our appointed rounds but this does not relieve anyone else of their responsibilities. Our job may be to help make it possible for you live up to your potential as humane human beings but you must do the living."

Then, looking even more deeply into her eyes, said, "I need you, Ginny. I meant every word I said this summer. But I don't want to rush into anything. I want us to take our time getting to know one another; but I need you. I can't do this alone and if you will work with me on this I promise that I will do everything in my power to make up for my past insensitivities to you a hundred fold."

Professor Dumbledore smiled and his blue eyes twinkled merrily, with more excitement than they had seen in many long, arduous, and sometimes painful, years. "Very well," he said happily. "But now the time has come for bed. School starts tomorrow and we all need our rest."

As they made their way out of the Great Hall, still holding hands, Harry said, "I'll need to talk to the centaurs because they need to take a stand and because they might know something we can use. But I will need you to talk to the house elves. There will be others, such as the faeries, but I want you to start with the house elves. You know how we've been treating Dobby and Winky; well, I want you to start building bridges of friendship and trust between our peoples. I need you to listen to them. Find out everything you can about their culture and write it down. Don't try to change them; just listen. Become their friend. I hate to say this because I don't like using anyone, but use our relationships with Winky and Dobby to help you. I know they are all fairly eager to please but we need to go beyond these surface features and dig for understanding. We need to get to know them from the inside out so that we can, but only if absolutely necessary, add them to Ron's chess set."

As they left the Great Hall Harry suddenly wished that he had something to give her. It didn't need to be big or fancy or anything, just something he could give her to let her know how much he cared. But what would she like, he thought. He was just getting to know her for herself but had no idea what she liked. As these thoughts passed through his mind Harry felt a lump in the pocket of his trousers and, as memories of the Sorcerer's Stone replayed in his mind, he reached in to retrieve whatever it was that had suddenly appeared in his pocket.

As he pulled his hand out he glanced down and saw that it was a short, squat, purple, scented candle that smelled of some kind of fruited berry. Stopping on the stairs several steps below the portrait of the fat lady he looked into her eyes and handed it to her.

"What's this," she asked.

"I don't know," he said nervously. "Just something I thought you might like." Then, taking a deep breath, he steeled himself and plunged ahead. "Ginny," he said softly, "I know I've said this before but I really am sorry I ignored you. I know this may not sound very convincing because I'm really not very good at these things but I want to get to know you, Ginny. I want to get to know you as you, not as my best friend's little sister, or as anyone else's little sister for that matter. I just want to get to know you as you."

He closed his eyes and waited, not sure what to expect. As the seconds ticked by he could feel his heart pounding in his chest and he held his breath waiting for some sign from Ginny that it was all right to breathe again.

Then he felt it. Her hand was gently caressing his cheek. "I'd like that," she said softly. "I'd like that very much."

When he opened his eyes she was smiling up at him and the look in her eyes told him that everything would be all right.

As they climbed the few remaining steps to the portrait of the fat lady she looked at them and said authoritatively, "Password?"

Harry looked at Ginny then, seeing that she had no idea what the password was either, turned to look at the fat lady. "Heck, I don't know," he said. "General quarters?"

"Lucky guess." The fat lady scowled as the portrait swung open.

Harry chuckled and Ginny laughed as he handed her through the hole. The Griffendor Common Room was empty as they entered so Harry walked Ginny over to the bottom of the steps leading to the girls' dormitory and looked into her eyes. "I'll see you in the morning then?"

"Yes. Alright," Ginny almost whispered. "I'll see you in the morning." She then turned and walked slowly up to her room, turning back occasionally to look at Harry as if to reassure herself that this was really happening.

When her door closed Harry turned and ran across the common room and up to the sixth-year boys' dormitory.